Economy Policy
Philippines Supreme Court asks respondents to comment on challenge to NCR wage hike
The Court has directed respondents to comment on a petition challenging RTC orders blocking the PHP85 NCR minimum wage increase.
The Philippines Supreme Court has directed several respondents to submit comments on a petition challenging court orders that have temporarily halted or could delay the implementation of a PHP85 increase in the minimum wage in the National Capital Region.
The Supreme Court, sitting en banc on August 26, 2026, acted on G.R. No. E-07950, a petition filed by KAMANGGAGAWA Party-list and others against the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 154 of Pasig City and other respondents.
The petition seeks to overturn orders issued by the Pasig City and Navotas City RTCs in separate cases brought by companies and industry groups challenging Wage Order No. NCR-27, which increased the minimum wage in the National Capital Region by PHP85.
The Supreme Court directed Readycon Trading and Construction Corporation, R-II Builders, Inc. and Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations, Inc. to submit their comments on the petition for certiorari and prohibition within 10 days of receiving notice.
The Pasig RTC previously granted Readycon Trading and R-II Builders’ request for a status quo ante order, temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction.
The orders prevent the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board of the National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) and the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) from implementing the wage increase.
In a separate proceeding, the Navotas RTC ordered a clarificatory hearing through videoconference on the Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations’ request for a status quo ante order.
KAMANGGAGAWA Party-list is asking the Supreme Court to set aside the RTC orders and direct the lower courts to stop further proceedings in the cases challenging Wage Order No. NCR-27.
The Supreme Court has also directed the RTWPB-NCR and NWPC to submit their comments on the petition within 10 days of receiving notice.
The case could have implications for the implementation of the NCR wage increase and the broader debate over the authority of wage-setting bodies and the role of courts in intervening in wage orders.
For workers and employers in Metro Manila, the Supreme Court’s eventual action will determine whether the PHP85 increase can proceed while the legal challenges are resolved.
This comes as Philippines Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino reaffirmed DOLE’s commitment to evidence-based labour policymaking as the PHP85 Metro Manila wage increase remains suspended following a Pasig court order. DOLE is pursuing legal remedies to secure the implementation of Wage Order No. NCR-27.
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